Thursday, November 8, 2012

Fall Essentials ~ Retro Rack Style ~ Military Coats

If one is of the top heavy inclination one way to counteract all that, a hem, softness, is to lean toward military details. It adds some rough to, what I am prone to calling, my completely inability to cress-dress competently.

The best thing about military is that it can be taken in all sorts of fun directions.

Classic

As ever with the Rack I suggest single breasted, a long lean single line of metal buttons stretches the body, optically. Avoid the ones with pockets at the breasts if possible. If not, for the love, don't ever use those pockets. Shoulder details are good, if you don't have big shoulders already ~ draws the attention up and away. I like a long slim clean sleeve with a nice cuff, if possible, very elegant.

Sailor

Similar rues as above, although adding a collar can be dun. Puffs at the shoulders have the same effect as other details, plus they are quite vintage looking. As ever I love a frock coat cut.

Modern Twist

This kind of coat allows one to have fun with proportions and contrast. If you are one for a retro-modern mixed look, having an ultra swing 1950s day dress for example, paired with a military cropped coat has a similar effect to pairing a floaty summer dress with a motorcycle jacket. Or a feminine flower print pencil dress with a long military coat over it is also good. Contrast can be really enjoyable to play with.

Above is an H&M jacket I've got my eye on. Hard to tell from online how it might fit the Rack, but I like the combination of color blocking and military details. I suppose it could just be a shirt and not a jacket at all. Either way, must give it a try on.

I like this last a lot, hard to tell if it would be cut to fit curves but I do like the longer in front than the back as it might allow for the extra lift to the front we all get with the Rack. And those sleeves are fabulous.

Something for Prudence to wear in the Parasol Protectorate Abroad

1890s Velvet coat

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

And double-breasted is not always a good look if you're not slender. I'm looking forward to it getting cool enough for me to wear my new coat, though. And I'm thinking brass buttons, at the very least, will spiff it up.